BMW M Neue Klasse: Electric, But Still Built for the Racetrack
BMW M has confirmed that from 2027, its next generation of high-performance vehicles will arrive in fully electric form, marking a defining moment for the brand. Known as the BMW M Neue Klasse, the upcoming models aim to translate BMW M’s long-standing ethos — Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets — into the electric era.
According to Franciscus van Meel, the goal is nothing less than setting a new benchmark.
“With the latest generation of Neue Klasse technology, we are taking the BMW M driving experience to a new level,” van Meel said.
“Our next-generation models will deliver outstanding, racetrack-ready driving dynamics for everyday use.”
Electric, But Unmistakably M
BMW M is adamant that electrification won’t dilute what makes an M car special. Instead, the fully electric drivetrain is being positioned as a new performance enabler — combining long range, high charging capability via 800-volt architecture, and advanced energy recuperation with genuine circuit capability.
At the heart of the Neue Klasse M platform is a new centrally controlled, individual wheel drive architecture, designed to dramatically expand both performance and safety limits. Each wheel can be controlled independently, opening up a level of precision not possible with traditional drivetrains.
The ‘Heart of Joy’ and the Superbrain Era
Underpinning the leap in dynamics is BMW’s new central control and electronics architecture, built around four high-performance computers, or “Superbrains”. One of these — dubbed the ‘Heart of Joy’ — is dedicated entirely to driving dynamics.
By unifying control of power delivery, traction, braking and stability systems, BMW M claims faster data processing, sharper responses and greater headroom for future software upgrades. In simple terms, it’s designed to make electric M cars feel more alive, more adjustable and more engaging.
BMW M eDrive: Four Motors, One Focus
The BMW M eDrive system has been developed specifically for high-performance use and is based on the sixth-generation Neue Klasse technology. Each wheel is driven by its own electric motor, delivering true torque vectoring at all four corners.
Two drive units — one on each axle — house four motors in total, combining the benefits of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in a single system. Crucially, the front axle can be fully decoupled, allowing the car to operate as a rear-drive M machine when conditions allow — improving efficiency, range and driving purity.
Torque and braking forces are managed seamlessly between the electric motors and braking system, enabling maximum traction, precise power delivery and energy recuperation right up to the limit.
Sound, Feel and Engagement Still Matter
To maintain the emotional connection that defines BMW M, the Neue Klasse models will feature M-specific driving modes, simulated gear shifts, and a newly developed electric soundscape. These elements are designed to give drivers tangible feedback and character — ensuring the experience isn’t reduced to silent speed alone.
BMW M claims the electric drive units used here are the most powerful it has ever installed in a production vehicle, with extremely high power density and precise individual wheel control.
High-Performance Battery Built for Track and Road
The Neue Klasse M models will use a high-voltage battery exceeding 100kWh of usable energy, specifically adapted for high-performance demands. Using BMW’s “Design to Power” philosophy, the Gen6 cylindrical cells, cooling system and battery management electronics have all been optimised for repeated high-load use.
The battery housing also serves as a structural component of the vehicle, contributing to overall rigidity and improved handling response. Combined with class-leading recuperation performance, BMW says the setup delivers both strong peak output and rapid charging capability.
Lightweight Innovation Goes Natural
Weight reduction remains a core focus. For the first time, BMW M will introduce natural fibre composite materials into its electric high-performance models. Developed through years of motorsport testing, the material offers similar characteristics to carbon fibre while reducing CO₂e emissions by approximately 40 per cent.
It’s another signal that BMW M sees sustainability not as a compromise — but as an engineering challenge.
The Big Picture
BMW M’s Neue Klasse represents a philosophical shift as much as a technical one. Electric power is no longer being framed as an alternative — but as the next evolution of high-performance driving.
If BMW M delivers on its promises, the Neue Klasse could redefine what an electric performance car feels like — not just how fast it goes.
